Monday, June 01, 2009

COMMENTS: Coming off a 5-2 roadtrip, the big news is the return of Kuroda, who won Opening Day and was slotted as our #1 pitcher before an oblique muscle strain sidelined him for the last two months. Kuroda's last start in A ball was not kind, but according to Josh Suchon, he was literally practicing pitches (i.e., only throwing a fastball for a full inning), so it probably isn't a good barometer of how he'll do today. Unless, of course, the gameplan is again to only throw the same pitch for a full inning. The Snakes might catch on by the fourth inning or so.

Speaking of Mannywatch, I'm giving serious thought to taking a trip down to Petco on July 3rd. My only worry is that I'll buy the tickets and then one of the games against the White Sox will get rained out. (Or there will be a "Manny Being Manny" moment and he won't be in the lineup on the 3rd.)

I've been to Petco Once and sat in one of the upper decks behind homeplate. It was a pretty good view, but field level would have been nice. I know the prices are cheaper than Dodger Stadium, and you can walk around any of the levels once you're inside. I'd take the time to explore the park if you have time before the game. Plus, there is a pretty nice bar at the top of the Western Metal Supply Building that has a patio open to anyone up until the 4th inning. The view from up there is pretty cool and worth checking out.

I hear you, I'm also thinking about the game on 7/3, but I'd buy my tickets on the fly. I've been to Petco before and had great seats just a shade up the first base line for a day game. It's the holiday weekend, so it might be sold out, but on the other hand it's the Pads, who have only sold out Opening Day and have been drawing crowds of sub-20K all year...

After the fourth inning the bar needed reservations I believe. You could wait in line to get a seat out there if you didn't have reservations though. There is a nice bar area inside that is filled with Padre memorabilia too though.

Well, if the price is right, I might be making the trip to Petco for the game. If I'm lucky, the kids won't be in tow, but somehow I know they will be.Doesn't mean I can't find the bar with the kid's menu.

From Josh Rawitch's Inside the Dodgers, Torre's pregame comments said that Kershaw will be on point in case Kuroda stumbles in this outing: "Throughout the season, we are going to keep an eye on Kershaw's innings. Tonight is one of those situations, so he'll get pushed back. If [Kershaw] gets into the game tonight, he'll pitch Friday and if he doesn't get in the game he'll pitch Thursday."

We're proud you became a big leaguer, we never doubted about it. When i say "we". i mean the four people who seat on the first base infield level, first lane, seats 1-4, the ones who incline towards your defensive genius, your clutch abilities and speed, the bunch you always see like you wouldn't believe they worship you.The only girl in the group is a Dodger fan and you might notice it, if you have been able to see her wearing lots of different Dodgers gear throughout the years, please don't break her heart, ok?Do your job but don't be over the top this series and i promise i won't make fun of the awful vallenato songs you pick for your at-bats.

Thanks for your attention.

p.s: you're one of the reasons i bought season tickets in May for a season that starts on October. A la Cargaaaaaaaaaaaa!

1974: The Dodgers, battle the Cincinnati Reds again for the top spot, this time emerging victorious, by four games with a 102-60 record. The Dodgers are led by newly acquired veteran OF Jimmy Wynn and 1B Steve Garvey, who in his first full Major League season, led the club offensively winning the NL MVP. Meanwhile, pitcher Mike Marshall set a modern major league record with 106 appearances (which earned him the Cy Young Award) in relief of a staff that was the league's best bullpen. The Dodgers would get past the Pittsburgh Pirates in 4 games of the NLCS to earn their 5th World Series appearance since moving to Los Angeles. In the World Series the Dodgers were the only thing standing in the way of a 3rd Straight World Championship for the Oakland Athletics. After losing Game 1 the Dodgers won Game 2 on a Joe Ferguson's 2-run sixth Inning HR. However, once the series got to Oakland the Dodgers were swept in the final free games losing the series in five games to dominant A's team.

Nic j, Gerardo Parra isn't rico and suave, but i have great memories of him, like that time he hit a walk off double from Francisco Rodriguez. That stadium went nuts, i lost my voice and got soaked from all the beer people threw. Did i care? not a little bit, i was just happy. By the way, he played on Class A that season.